Thank you, Mr. Smith and Mr. Lovato, two board members, who voted against the Davis School Board’s degrading policy of random drug testing of students. It takes great courage and integrity to stand up for what’s right when it is unpopular, especially when this involves our youth and keeping them safe. More important, however, is the responsibility, especially of educators, to teach students truth, arm them with knowledge, and inspire them to become successful members of society.

While well-intentioned, this policy is misguided. If we’re trying to teach our youth that one is “guilty, until proven innocent,” this is the type of policy a controlling entity would implement. Such, however, is in opposition to the law and what’s taught in the classroom, that individuals are “innocent, until proven guilty.” It violates natural rights and the need for “probable cause,” which breads resentment for authority and those who would force you to behave a certain way. It doesn’t matter if board members think they have support from the majority of coaches and parents; that does not make it right! There are principles that our free society is based on that should not be trampled, especially by those whose job is to teach those same principles С even if the majority thinks it so.

In addition, this policy is offensive; it’s discriminatory against those in extra-curricular activities (which build self-confidence, teamwork, leadership, and bring the school board/district a lot of money). The board is not a private company or team owner (where such a policy might be legitimate). My children are my stewardship as a parent, whose mandate comes from a much higher authority. To the amount the policy recognizes that a drug problem is between a child and their parent(s), I applaud it.

I ask the board to rescind this policy, or at the very least, allow parents to “opt in,” if so inclined. Many parents don’t want to “be the bad guy,” and would defer that responsibility to the school. I will not consent to such treatment of my children, and I find this policy despicable. It displays a lack of faith in our youth, and disregards “equal treatment under the law.” Do you think it helps their self-respect and sense of a vote-of-confidence from those leading and guiding them into adulthood? Instead you label them suspect and criminal, and, in so doing, may just reap what you sow.